State Symbols
| Type | Symbol | Description | Adopted | Image | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal | American Beaver (Castor canadensis) |
Found in most of the larger streams and rivers in Oregon, the beaver is the largest of the North American rodents. Once overtrapped by early settlers and prized for its fur, populations have recovered through management and partial protection. Oregon is known as "The Beaver State" and Oregon State University's athletic teams are called the Beavers. | 1969 | ||
| Beverage | Milk | Milk was recognized as the state's beverage because the production and manufacture of dairy products are major contributors to Oregon's economy. Tillamook County is particularly known for its dairy farms. Water had also been proposed as the state beverage in the same legislative session, but that proposal was tabled in favor of the milk legislation. | 1997 | ||
| Bird | Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) |
Chosen as the state bird in 1927 by Oregon's school children in a poll sponsored by the Oregon Audubon Society, the Western Meadowlark is native throughout western North America and is known for its "distinctive and beautiful song." | 1927 | ||
| Crustacean | Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) |
Based on lobbying from school children at Sunset Primary School in West Linn, Oregon, and citing its importance to the Oregon economy, the Oregon State Legislature designated the Dungeness crab as the state crustacean in 2009. | 2009 | ||
| Dance | Square dance | A folk dance with four couples (eight dancers) arranged in a square, the "lively spirit of the dance exemplifies the friendly, free nature and enthusiasm that are a part of the Oregon Character." The Oregon Waltz had been proposed as the state waltz in 1997, but the proposal was rejected. | 1977 | ||
| Father | Dr. John McLoughlin | McLoughlin was the Chief Factor of the Columbia Fur District of the Hudson's Bay Company at Fort Vancouver. In the late 1840s his general store in Oregon City was famous as the last stop on the Oregon Trail. He became designated as the "Father of Oregon" for his role in assisting the American cause in the Oregon Country. | 1957 | ||
| Fish | Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) |
Salmon was essential for the coastal Native Americans' life, and was the subject of many legends and taboos. The largest of the Pacific salmon, the chinook provides both sport and commercial fishing, but is under threat from dams and fishing. | 1961 | ||
| Flag | Flag of Oregon | Oregon's flag is navy blue with gold lettering and imagery, and is the only current flag in the U.S. to have a different pattern on the reverse side. The obverse depicts the state seal with "STATE OF OREGON" displayed above and "1859" displayed below (the year Oregon was admitted to The Union). The reverse depicts a beaver in the center. | 1925 | Read more about this topic: List Of Oregon State Symbols Famous quotes containing the words state and/or symbols:“Navajo men and boys have an odd way of showing their friendship. When two young men meet at the trading post, a “Sing”, or a dance they greet each other, inquire about the health of their respective families, then stand silently some ten or fifteen minutes while one feels the other’s arms, shoulders, and chest.” “If the Americans, in addition to the eagle and the Stars and Stripes and the more unofficial symbols of bison, moose and Indian, should ever need another emblem, one which is friendly and pleasant, then I think they should choose the grapefruit. Or rather the half grapefruit, for this fruit only comes in halves, I believe. Practically speaking, it is always yellow, always just as fresh and well served. And it always comes at the same, still hopeful hour of the morning.” |